Things to do
Things to do and fun activities in Flam, Norway and the surrounding Aurlandsfjord area. All guides are written by a local.
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Ferry Flåm Gudvangen: Nærøyfjord Cruise [A Local’s Guide]
The fjord cruise on the Nærøyfjord, or simply the ferry from Flam to Gudvangen is one of the highlights of the area. Together with the Flåm Railway, the fjord cruise is an absolute must for anyone visiting Flåm, Gudvangen or any of the other villages here. The Nærøyfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed on the list together with the Geirangerfjord further north. It is a road-less fjord, so the only way to see it all is from the water. Therefore, taking the ferry between Flåm and Gudvangen needs to be on your list if you are visiting Flåm for the fjords. And I hope you are, as it’s…
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Flåm Railway vs Fjord Cruise: Do you Need to Take Both?
If you’re planning a trip to Flåm, you’ve probably already heard about two of its biggest highlights: the Flåm Railway and the fjord cruise to Gudvangen. Both are often featured in the iconic Norway in a Nutshell route, and both promise jaw-dropping scenery. But do you really need to do both? Is it the same landscape? Could you just pick one and still feel like you’ve seen the best of what Flåm has to offer? My short answer? Yes – if this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, I highly recommend doing both. Even though they’re often grouped together in the same itinerary, these two journeys are completely different experiences. The Flåm…
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A Local’s Guide to the Flam Zipline, Norway
Flåm is, without a doubt, one of western Norway’s most beautiful villages. Situated on the innermost banks of the Aurlandsfjord, Flam is amongst the country’s most visited tourist destinations – and I grew up watching all these tourists arrive. The Flåmsbana train that runs from Myrdal to Flam and back is the leading tourist attraction in Norway, however, there’s a new activity on the block; the Flam Zipline (or Flåm Zipline, depending on your keyboard)! The entire valley between Flam and Myrdal, also called the Flåm Valley, is 18 kilometres long and is blessed with steep mountains, cascading waterfalls, and streaming rivers. The ever-changing landscapes in the Flåm Valley offer…
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Myrdal to Flam, Norway [A Local’s How To Guide]
If you’re planning a trip to Norway, you’ve probably seen Myrdal to Flam mentioned in itineraries and transport guides – but what does it actually mean? Many travelers come across Myrdal while researching how to visit Flåm and wonder why it keeps appearing as an important stop. The short answer is that Myrdal is just a train station. Not a town, not an attraction, just a remote railway junction in the mountains. Its only purpose is to connect the Oslo-Bergen Railway with the world-famous Flåm Railway, which takes passengers down to Flåm at the edge of the Aurlandsfjord. So, if you’re wondering how to get from Myrdal to Flåm, this…
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Aurlandsfjord vs. Nærøyfjord: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Visit?
If you’re planning a trip to Flåm or the surrounding area, you’ve probably come across the names Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. These two breathtaking fjords are part of the same waterway, both offering stunning landscapes and unique experiences. But what’s the difference between them, and how do you decide how to explore them? As a local who grew up in Aurland, I want to clear up a common misconception: you don’t have to choose one over the other! When you take a fjord cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen, you’ll experience both – starting with the wide, open beauty of the Aurlandsfjord before gliding into the dramatic, narrow passage of the Nærøyfjord.…
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The 5 Best Flåm Shore Excursions for Cruise Passengers
Flåm is one of the most scenic cruise stops in Norway, offering breathtaking views, bucket list activities, and unforgettable outdoor experiences. Whether you want to explore Viking history, take in panoramic mountain views, or cruise through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, Flåm has shore excursions for every traveler. With limited time in port, choosing the right excursion is key to making the most of your visit. In this guide, I’ll cover the best Flam shore excursions, along with important tips for booking in advance to get the best experience at the best price. Straight to the point? I’ve created a folder of all the below-mentioned shore excursions here! Why Book Your Flåm…
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Borgund Stave Church: History, Highlights & How to Visit from Flåm
The Borgund Stave Church is one of Norway’s best-preserved stave churches and a true masterpiece of medieval architecture. Built around 1180, this iconic church offers visitors a glimpse into Norway’s history, showcasing the unique blend of Viking traditions and Christian influence that shaped the country during the Middle Ages. Yes, I know it isn’t technically *in* Flåm (in fact, it’s in our neighboring municipality of Lærdal), but so many people want to visit the Borgund Stave Church from Flåm, and I get a lot of questions about it. So I figured I might as well write a blog post about it. For travelers staying in Flåm for more than 1-2…
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The Flåm Railway: A Local’s Complete Guide
The Flåm Railway, known locally as Flåmsbana, is one of Norway’s most breathtaking train journeys, offering travelers a unique glimpse into the country’s dramatic natural landscapes. Winding its way through 20 kilometers of sheer mountain scenery, the railway descends 867 meters from the mountainous station at Myrdal to the quaint fjord village of Flåm. As a local who grew up in the area, this railway was more than a tourist attraction; it was a vital connection to the world beyond our picturesque village. I remember my time working in the ticket office, where I witnessed firsthand the Flåm Railway’s growing popularity among tourists from around the globe, all eager to…
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5 Great Outdoor Activities in Flåm, Norway
Flåm is one of Norway’s most spectacular outdoor destinations, offering a mix of breathtaking landscapes and adrenaline-filled activities. Whether you’re looking for a short hike, an unforgettable view of the fjord, or a thrilling adventure, Flåm has something for everyone. As a local, I’ve enjoyed these activities firsthand, and they’re some of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of this area. I have already covered the best things to do in Flåm here, so this post is for those of you looking specifically for activities that have more of an outdoorsy vibe to them. 5 Best Outdoor Activities in Flåm Here are five must-try outdoor adventures in Flåm…
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Things to do in Flam, Norway [A Local’s Guide]
Flåm (or Flam, for those of you who do not have Å on your keyboard) is a small village in Western Norway located at the innermost arm of the Aurlandsfjord. Every year, millions of tourists visit the fjords and look for things to do in Flam to experience the dramatic landscapes the village offers. Flam is probably the most visited fjord destination in Norway, and as I have grown up in the area – this was a guide I needed to write! The village is also a crucial point of the popular ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ tour. Are you visiting Norway and looking for places to visit and things to…
